Growth Mutual Fund vs. Dividend Mutual Fund - Groww (2024)

There are various types of mutual funds to invest in. When you invest in any mutual fund, the fund manager invests your money in equity, debt, and other money market instruments.

So you have categories including equity large-cap, debt, equity Midcap, liquid funds, and thematic funds. But before considering investing in any of these categories, it is crucial to understand the type of mutual funds (MFs) you, as an investor, want.

Every mutual fund scheme is divided into two types: growth and dividend. The growth option provides returns by increasing mutual fund unit values. On the other hand, the dividend option pays out returns in the form of periodic dividends.

Understanding Growth Mutual Funds

The growth option on a mutual fund indicates that an investor will not get any dividends from the mutual fund's stocks.

Certain shares offer monthly dividends, but by opting for the growth option, the fund holder allows the fund company to reinvest the money that would otherwise be sent to the investor as a dividend. This money raises the mutual fund's net asset value (NAV).

The growth option is not suitable for investors who want regular cash payments from their assets.

Understanding Dividend Mutual Funds

The dividend reinvestment option is unique. Dividends that would otherwise be paid to fund investors are utilized to buy more fund shares. When dividends are paid on the stocks in the mutual fund, funds do not return to the investor.

Instead, fund managers utilize funds automatically to purchase additional fund units on behalf of investors and transfer them to individual investors' accounts.

This strategy gradually raises the number of shares owned and often results in the account increasing value faster than if dividends were not reinvested.

Moreover, many investing firms provide this service at no cost to shareholders.

Difference Between Dividend and Growth Mutual Funds

Here is an overview of the difference between Dividend vs Growth Mutual Funds based on various factors-

Differences

Dividend Mutual Funds

Growth Mutual Funds

Profits booked by the fund manager

Distributed among investors

Reinvested in the scheme

Total Returns

Dividends are subtracted from the NAV. As a result, the ex-dividend NAV is lower.

Because profits re-invested may earn profits, the NAV will rise (compounding)

Net Asset Value (NAV)

Due to periodic payouts, total profits will be lower compared to the growth option in the long run.

Over a suitably long investment horizon, total returns are usually larger than dividend returns.

Taxation

Taxed at the investor's income tax slab rate

When redeeming, you may be subject to short-term and long-term capital gains tax.

Who should invest?

Consider the dividend option if you require steady income flows from your investment.

If you do not require a steady income flow, invest in the growth option because your overall returns may be higher.

Why Growth Mutual Fund?

Growth mutual funds have one very considerable advantage over dividend mutual funds: compounding. Every time the investments of a growth mutual fund make money, it is reinvested. This cycle continues until the point you, as an investor, decide to pull out.

Over an extended period, growth mutual funds can work wonders for your money. However, this requires patience. If you depend on this money, you will have to sell units of your mutual fund. That will reduce the amount you have invested.

Since the amount you have invested is reduced, the effect of compounding could be improved.

Why Dividend Mutual Funds?

Dividend mutual funds offer regular dividends that the fund managers decide.

Dividend mutual funds take longer to show the same results as a growth mutual fund. However, one significant advantage dividend mutual funds have is that they start paying back much more quickly.

It offers a certain peace of mind to the investors. However, confident investors would trade peace of mind for higher returns, and dividend mutual funds suit them best.

Taxation on Growth Mutual Fund vs Dividend Mutual Fund

  • Growth mutual funds are subject to tax on redemption. However, you are only charged tax once you withdraw money from a mutual fund.

    For most equity mutual funds, you do not have to pay any taxes if the investment is redeemed after a year. For most debt funds, there is no tax liability after three years.

  • Dividend mutual funds are taxed differently. You do not have to pay any taxes upon receiving your dividend. However, the tax is paid by the mutual fund houses even before the dividend reaches you. So in that sense, dividend mutual funds could be more tax efficient.

If you require a fixed income and have a large amount of money, consider investing using the SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) option.

Conclusion

No single mutual fund is ideal for every investor, which is why so many options are available.

Investing in a mutual fund is best to investigate its specific characteristics to prevent investing in a fund that does not meet your growth or cash payout needs.

Happy Investing!

Growth Mutual Fund vs. Dividend Mutual Fund - Groww (2024)

FAQs

Growth Mutual Fund vs. Dividend Mutual Fund - Groww? ›

Every mutual fund scheme is divided into two types: growth and dividend. The growth option provides returns by increasing mutual fund unit values. On the other hand, the dividend option pays out returns in the form of periodic dividends.

What is the difference between growth funds and dividend funds? ›

With dividend investments, the excess return is declared and shared with investors while the profit excess is withdrawn as dividends. In growth model investing, the excess return is reinvested in the corporation and the only way profits are materialized is when stock is redeemed or the stock is sold.

Which is better growth or dividend reinvestment? ›

However, the growth option is more beneficial in terms of saving taxes. Investors looking to enjoy the benefits of compounding and lower tax liability can opt for the growth option instead of the dividend reinvestment option.

What is growth mutual fund? ›

A growth mutual fund is a diversified portfolio of stock with the primary goal of capital appreciation over time, with minimal or nil payouts of dividends. The portfolio of these funds mostly has stocks of those companies that have above-average growth.

What happens to dividends in growth funds? ›

Growth and DIY portfolios will receive dividends as cash payments into the portfolio as soon as we receive them. These payments will be treated in the same way as top-ups or any other new funds.

Should I go for dividend or growth? ›

You may find dividend stocks suitable if you seek stocks with lesser risk, steady returns, and immediate benefits. In contrast, growth stocks may be suitable if you want greater returns over the years and can stomach the volatility and risk coming along.

Can I switch from dividend to growth option? ›

It is possible to switch from dividend option to growth option or vice-versa. It would entail sale of old units and purchase of new units. This might attract exit loads along with a tax on capital gains. Before you switch from one option to another, check for both of these aspects.

Do growth funds pay high dividends? ›

Growth stocks typically do not pay dividends.

Thus, believing these investments will increase capabilities and produce higher revenues, increased profits, or both.

Are dividend mutual funds a good idea? ›

Pros and Cons of Dividend Mutual Funds

Offer a steady stream of income: By paying investors at regular intervals, dividend mutual funds offer a steady stream of income. Perform better in a bear market: When a bear market occurs, trading is down.

What is the difference between growth and dividend reinvestment mutual funds? ›

With a growth option, the investor lets the fund company invest the dividend payments in more securities and ultimately grow their money. With dividend reinvestments, fund managers are allowed to use dividend payments to buy more shares in the fund on behalf of the investor.

How risky are growth mutual funds? ›

Is it safe to invest in a growth stock mutual fund? No investment is ever completely safe, but growth stock mutual funds are considered relatively risky. All things considered, if you choose a well-diversified fund with experienced managers, your risk may be lower than if you decide to invest in individual stocks.

What are the cons of growth mutual funds? ›

A growth mutual fund is an investment vehicle that invests in stocks with above-average growth potential. While it offers the potential for high returns, it also comes with certain disadvantages, such as higher risk, potential for market volatility, and higher fees.

Are growth mutual funds a good investment? ›

Most growth funds are high-risk, high-reward, and are therefore best suited to market participants with a long-term investment horizon and a healthy risk tolerance.

Who gets dividend in mutual fund? ›

Mutual funds that own dividend-paying or interest-bearing securities pass those cash flows on to investors in the fund. Dividends are the investor's portion of a company's profits. The company approves the amount based on its financial results.

What are the best monthly dividend paying mutual funds? ›

  • BOI AXA Mid and Small Cap Equity and Debt Fund.
  • HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund.
  • ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund.
  • Kotak Equity Hybrid Fund.
  • UTI Hybrid Equity Fund.
  • Nippon India Equity Hybrid Fund.
7 days ago

How can I avoid paying tax on dividends? ›

Options include owning dividend-paying stocks in a tax-advantaged retirement account or 529 plan. You can also avoid paying capital gains tax altogether on certain dividend-paying stocks if your income is low enough. A financial advisor can help you employ dividend investing in your portfolio.

Can you live off of dividends? ›

To live off of dividend income alone, you need to receive enough dividend payments each year to cover your expenses. Once you know how much income you need to cover your expenses, you can divide that by the average dividend yield of your portfolio to get a rough estimate of how much you need to invest.

What are the benefits of dividend growth? ›

Compared to high dividend yielding companies, dividend growing companies tend to have better earnings growth potential, lower dividend payout ratios, higher profitability metrics and less reliance on the debt market. All of these factors tend to help mitigate risk during periods of heightened volatility.

Are dividends taxable if they are reinvested? ›

Dividends are taxable regardless of whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the mutual fund that pays them out.

At what age should you switch to dividend stocks? ›

Funding retirement as early as age 55 with dividends allows retirees to avoid tapping the principal in their investment portfolios to pay expenses. Dividends typically are higher than fixed-income yields, and owning dividend-paying stocks can help investors weather downturns when equity prices decline.

Do growth stocks usually pay dividends? ›

Growth stocks typically don't pay dividends. Growth stocks are often put in contrast with value stocks.

What is the best dividend growth fund? ›

Top dividend mutual funds
  • Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Admiral Shares (VDADX)
  • T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth Fund (PRDGX)
  • Vanguard Dividend Growth Investor Shares (VDIGX)
  • Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Admiral Shares (VHYAX)
  • Vanguard Equity-Income Investor Shares (VEIPX)
May 25, 2023

Are growth funds aggressive? ›

Aggressive growth funds are identified in the market as offering above average returns for investors willing to take some additional investment risk. They are expected to outperform standard growth funds by investing more heavily in companies they identify with aggressive growth prospects.

Do growth funds provide income? ›

A growth and income fund invests in a mixture of securities to provide both short-term income and long-term investment growth. Many major investment firms offer funds that are specifically labeled as "growth and income" funds.

What is the downside of dividend funds? ›

Dividends are not guaranteed. A company may decide not to pay dividends any further. Alternatively, may choose to reduce their dividend. Another con of dividend investing for passive income is the eventual ceiling of returns.

Are dividend funds good for retirement? ›

One way to enhance your retirement income is to invest in dividend-paying stocks, mutual funds, and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Over time, the cash flow generated by those dividend payments can supplement your Social Security and pension income.

Should I sell mutual fund before dividend? ›

If you sell before the fund's ex-dividend date, you won't receive the upcoming dividend distribution, and your entire profit will be a lower-taxed long-term capital gain, as long as you've held the shares for more than a year.

Which is the best mutual fund 2023? ›

Fund Name
  • Axis Bluechip Fund.
  • Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund.
  • Parag Parikh Long-Term Equity Fund.
  • UTI Flexi Cap Fund.
  • Axis Midcap Fund.
  • Kotak Emerging Equity Fund.
  • Axis Small Cap Fund.
  • SBI Small Cap Fund.
May 10, 2023

What are best mutual funds? ›

Best Performing Hybrid Mutual Funds
Fund Name3-year Return (%)*5-year Return (%)*
Baroda BNP Paribas Aggressive Hybrid Fund Direct - Growth19.81%14.37%
HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Plan-Growth28.02%14.22%
Kotak Equity Hybrid Fund Direct-Growth25.31%14.03%
Edelweiss Aggressive Hybrid Fund Direct - Growth24.06%13.95%
6 more rows

What is the difference between growth and direct mutual funds? ›

The only difference between these two is, in case of a regular fund your mutual fund house pays a commission to the broker/agent as a distribution fee whereas, in case of a direct plan, no such fees/commission is paid.

What are the pros and cons of growth mutual funds? ›

Advantages for investors include advanced portfolio management, dividend reinvestment, risk reduction, convenience, and fair pricing. Disadvantages include high fees, tax inefficiency, poor trade execution, and the potential for management abuses.

What type of mutual fund is riskiest? ›

Examples of high-risk mutual funds include small cap or mid-cap equity funds and funds invested in high-yield debt securities with less-than-desirable credit ratings.

Which mutual fund is most risky? ›

Sectoral funds: These are the riskiest category of equity mutual funds which invest a minimum of 80% of their portfolio in companies belonging to the same sector.

What are the 4 types of mutual funds? ›

Most mutual funds fall into one of four main categories – money market funds, bond funds, stock funds, and target date funds.

Are growth mutual funds low risk? ›

Mutual funds are largely a safe investment, seen as being a good way for investors to diversify with minimal risk. But there are circ*mstances in which a mutual fund is not a good choice for a market participant, especially when it comes to fees.

What happens to growth mutual funds? ›

Every time the investments of a growth mutual fund make money, it is reinvested.

Do growth mutual funds pay interest? ›

Mutual funds, like stocks, are not required to pay interest. The type of mutual funds that typically do invest in fixed-income securities. Although not all funds pay interest, some of the ones that do invest primarily in vehicles that will pay interest to them, which they then disseminate to their investors.

What is an example of a growth mutual fund? ›

Growth mutual funds can also be classified as index funds. Those are mutual funds that adopt a passive investment strategy. They often match the performance of an underlying stock market index or benchmark. For example, Vanguard's Growth Index Fund tracks the performance of the CRSP U.S. Large Growth Index.

What is the average growth mutual fund return? ›

Average mutual fund returns in 2021 and over the long term
Fund categoryYTD 202110-Year
US mid-cap stock24.51%12.94%
US small-cap stock17.73%12.11%
International large-cap stock7.97%5.78%
Long-term bond-2.66%4.75%
4 more rows
May 18, 2022

How much dividend mutual funds pay? ›

Top Dividend Yield Funds
Mutual fund5 Yr. ReturnsMin. Investment
Templeton India Equity Income Fund - Direct Plan - Growth14.64%₹5000
Templeton India Equity Income Fund Growth12.84%--
ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund Direct Reinvestment Inc Dist cum Cap Wdrl9.66%--
7 more rows
Mar 17, 2023

How long do you have to own a mutual fund to get dividends? ›

In order for dividends passed through by a fund to be qualified, the fund must first meet the more-than-60-days requirement for the individual securities paying the dividends. Additionally, the owner of the fund must own the fund shares for more than 60 days.

Do mutual fund dividends count as income? ›

Mutual fund dividends in taxable accounts, such as individual and joint brokerage accounts, are generally taxed either as qualified dividends or as ordinary income at the individual's income tax rate or as qualified dividends. Qualified dividends are taxable up to a 20% maximum rate.

How do I make $500 a month in dividends? ›

Dividend-paying Stocks

Shares of public companies that split profits with shareholders by paying cash dividends yield between 2% and 6% a year. With that in mind, putting $250,000 into low-yielding dividend stocks or $83,333 into high-yielding shares will get your $500 a month.

How can I earn 1000 a month in dividends? ›

In a market that generates a 2% annual yield, you would need to invest $600,000 up front in order to reliably generate $12,000 per year (or $1,000 per month) in dividend payments.

How to make $3,000 a month in dividends? ›

In order to make $3000 a month in dividends, you'll need to invest approximately $1,200,000 in dividend stocks. The exact amount will depend on the dividend yields for the stocks you buy for your portfolio. Take a closer look at your budget and decide how much money you can set aside each month to grow your portfolio.

Which is better growth or income funds? ›

Growth investments are considered to be higher risk than income investments because of this push for rapid growth rather than slow reliability. There's a chance of loss in any investing, but it's generally agreed upon that income investing carries a lesser risk.

Which is better direct or growth fund? ›

Higher Returns

The returns of any direct mutual fund are always higher than the regular version of the same mutual fund. The main reason behind this is the 'expense ratio'. The expense ratio is lower for direct plan vs regular plan as mentioned above.

Are dividend funds a good investment? ›

You should consider buying dividend-paying stocks whenever you start investing to reap their long-term benefits. Dividend stocks, especially those in companies that consistently increase their dividends, have historically outperformed the market with less volatility -- expressed in a measure called "beta".

Are growth funds more risky? ›

Key Takeaways

Most growth funds are high-risk, high-reward, and are therefore best suited to market participants with a long-term investment horizon and a healthy risk tolerance.

Are growth funds riskier than income funds? ›

Growth and income represent two diverging strategies when it comes to investment risk. Growth is usually regarded as one of the riskier investment options, whereas fixed-income investments are regarded as among the safest.

Which type of fund gives highest return? ›

1. SBI Small Cap Fund Direct-Growth. The SBI small-cap fund has an AUM of INR 9,620.21 cr and an expense ratio of 0.84% as of the 16th of August 2021, with a Net Asset Value (NAV) of INR 102.68. Due to the fund's exceptionally high risk, the minimum SIP is INR 500.

When should I invest in growth funds? ›

When Is the Best Time to Invest in Growth Funds? Mutual funds and ETFs are generally intended to be long-term holdings. That most often means at least three years, but it may be 10 years or more. Growth funds typically outperform value funds in the last stage of an economic cycle.

What is the advantage of growth fund? ›

Growth funds attract 10 percent long-term capital gains tax or LTCG tax if earnings exceed 1 lakh and are kept over a year. They are, however, more tax-efficient than value funds.

How to make $1,000 a month in dividends? ›

Look for $12,000 Per Year in Dividends

To make $1,000 per month in dividends, it's better to think in annual terms. Companies list their average yield on an annual basis, not based on monthly averages. So you can make much more sense of how much you might earn if you build your numbers around annual goals as well.

How to make $500 a month in dividends? ›

Dividend-paying Stocks

Shares of public companies that split profits with shareholders by paying cash dividends yield between 2% and 6% a year. With that in mind, putting $250,000 into low-yielding dividend stocks or $83,333 into high-yielding shares will get your $500 a month.

Do growth funds pay monthly dividends? ›

Mutual Funds With a Growth Option

The growth option on a mutual fund means that an investor in the fund will not receive any dividends that may be paid out by the stocks in the mutual fund.

What is the difference between high dividend and growth dividend? ›

To attract investors, companies with high dividend yield often pay dividends at levels that make it difficult to reinvest into the business, sacrificing potential growth as a result. A dividend growth strategy, on the other hand, invests in companies that consistently grow their dividend.

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